The Gospel Keeps Moving Forward (Acts 28:17-31)

Wow. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think about the Book of Acts.

We’ve talked about it a lot. But what have been your thoughts on this incredible book?

Throughout our study, we’ve explored many characters, but we must remember that the main character—the driving force—of Acts is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit keeps the journey alive and propels the mission of God forward.

Looking Back at the Journey

As we close out this Bible study, let’s reflect on where we began.

In Acts 1, a small band of believers gathered to pray, wait, fast, and seek God’s guidance after Jesus ascended.

During that time of waiting, God was at work in them and through them, preparing them to proclaim the gospel boldly throughout the world.

It’s like the headwaters of the Mississippi River—small, seemingly insignificant, yet destined to become a powerful force that impacts the world.

Through Acts, we’ve seen:

• People healed.
• Lives transformed.
• The Spirit changing hearts, minds, and entire directions.
• Paul boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world.
• And through it all, the Spirit enabled people like Peter and Paul to keep moving forward, even when things became difficult.

They endured:

• Hardships
• Imprisonment
• Beatings
• Slander
• Shipwrecks
• Snake bites

Yet, they kept their eyes on Jesus. They trusted in Him completely and without reservation.

A Truth We All Need to Hear

Sometimes, life is harder than we expect or think we can handle. But here’s the good news: God’s presence is with you. He walks with you, guides you, and gives you the strength to keep moving forward.

If you look back on your life, you can probably recall moments where you wondered how you made it through. That’s the Spirit at work.

The Spirit Will Lead You Where You Never Expected

Following Jesus means going places we never imagined. We will meet people we wouldn’t normally choose to interact with. But if we are obedient, our lives will be transformed—and so will theirs.

Yes, the Holy Spirit is the central figure of Acts, but Paul is the primary human character in the latter half of the book.

Paul was sent to proclaim Jesus to the Gentiles and their rulers. He was given divine authority and power to navigate the challenges, circumstances, and people he encountered.

Paul’s Mission is Complete—Or Is It?

Paul’s journey brought him to Rome. How did he get there?

At one of his trials, he appealed to Caesar, meaning the Roman guards had to ensure he safely reached Rome to stand before the emperor. Paul was still moving forward, with the same relentless determination that had defined his ministry since his conversion.

Now in Rome, waiting for trial, Paul continued to proclaim the gospel to everyone he could. He welcomed visitors into his rented home—even as a captive—and shared the message of Jesus without hesitation.

The Unfinished Story

Acts ends rather abruptly. It’s as if the book is incomplete. It reminds me of the ending of Back to the Future Part III.

At the end of the movie, Marty McFly shows Doc Brown a paper from the future, only to see the words vanish before his eyes. Confused, he asks why the words disappeared.

Doc listens, then replies:

“Of course it’s vanished! Your future hasn’t been written yet—no one’s has! The best thing you can do is make your future the best it can be.”

That line sticks with me.

But as followers of Christ, our future isn’t about making things the best for ourselves—it’s about joining God in His work to make the future what He intends it to be.

What Kind of Future Are You Looking For?

We all have moments of setbacks, struggles, and hardships. We all have different experiences that strengthen our faith and prepare us for what’s ahead.

This is likely why Paul wrote these powerful words in Romans 5:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)

The Work of God is Not Finished

Acts may have ended, but God’s work continues. Luke, the author of Acts, may have simply run out of room to write more.

But perhaps he left the story open-ended on purpose.

Because God is not done yet.

The unfinished nature of Acts reminds us that God’s mission of transformation continues today.And that means we are part of the story.

How Will You Move Forward?

Ask yourself:

What kind of future are you looking for?

How is God preparing you for what’s next?

Everything Paul endured—every hardship, every struggle—only strengthened the gospel message.

Through it all, he gained resilience and perseverance. Through it all, God supplied the power, ability, and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit does the same for us today.

You Can Move Forward in Hope

Right now, you may be wondering:

How will this situation work out?

When will this difficult season end?

How will I stay above water with everything going on?

But here’s the truth:

We are people of hope.

And because of that, we move forward.

Your Life is Part of the Gospel Story

As we live out our faith with joy, our lives become a testimony of transformation, hope, and forgiveness.

You might be the example someone else needs to encounter God’s goodness.

So, after studying these twelve passages in Acts…

After praying and discovering more about God’s faithfulness…

Are you ready to move forward with Christ?

The Movement of the Spirit Continues

Acts is about the movement of the Holy Spirit, keeping the gospel moving forward. But it’s also about how the Spirit invites people to be the vessels through which the mission continues.

Following Jesus won’t always be easy or comfortable. But it will always be worth it.

And through it all, God will be with you—guiding you, strengthening you, and using you to bring others to faith in Jesus Christ.

And one day, when you look back on your life, I pray you’ll hear the words:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

Are You Ready to Keep Moving Forward?

Let’s pray the Wesley Covenant Prayer together:

I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, Praised for you or criticized for you.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God,

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

you are mine, and I am yours.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it also be made in heaven. Amen

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

• What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?

• What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?

• How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?

• What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?

• Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?

• What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE TO CONTINUE TO GROW IN YOUR DISCIPLESHIP